Chapter 12

Back with Tanjiro and Rengoku in the Tokito House, they were both busing themselves with cleaning the building. Tanjiro and Rengoku took turns cleaning the wood flooring, the sliding doors, and anything wood. They both worked on a flower arrangement together and they cleaned the wood flooring once again.

"All done! We made sure to scrub down all of the hallways. Oh right! The flowers... they're all prepared." Tanjiro said to the owner of the house.

"What, already?" the woman said.

"Anything else we can do to help?" Tanjiro asked.

"Well, let me think. Um..." As the woman thought of what else Tanjiro and Rengoku can do, Tanjiro went ahead and gave a fresh cup of tea. Tanjiro kept asking on what else he and Rengoku can do and and finally, the owner of the house let them work on the doors, making sure they slide smoothly.

"You're both quick workers and well behaved." said the woman of the Tokito House.

Back In The Ogiomoto House

The owner of the Ogimoto House was looking at the dent that Inosuke created earlier.

"That girl is out of control. She smashed a hole right through the wall. It looks like I need to teach that one a hard lesson or two." said the owner of the Ogimoto House.

She opened up a door to a room and she gasped. She saw Inosuke on his arms, the rest of his body folded upwards in an arc. He was trying to sense where the demon was located but he couldn't get anything. He quickly went back up on his feet.

Back In The Kyogoku House

Zenitsu was still holding onto the Oiran's wrist.

"What did you say to me?" said the Oiran. "I dare you to say that again."

"Please, take your hands off of her." Zenitsu said.

"Up close... you're even uglier than I thought." the Orian said under her breath.

"Take your-"

"Who do you think you are?" the Oiran interrupted Zenitsu. "How dare you touch me?"

The Oiran got out of Zenitsu's grasp and then she knocked Zenitsu against his cheek.

A Few Days Earlier

The Madam of House Kyogoku confronted the Oiran. She started rambling about how it's the Oiran's fault things have been happening lately. She had a knife behind her back. But she wasn't quick enough for the Oiran revealed to the owner of House Kyogoku that she was a demon.

The Oiran demon floated up in the air, tying the Madam in her ribbons. The Madam looked up at the demon in fear. Then the Oiran demon let go, watching the Madam fall to her death.

Pleased with herself, the Oiran demon walked off and headed back inside. But when she went inside, she gasped. Waiting for her was none other than Muzan Kibutsuji.

"How are you doing, my dear?" he said in a low smooth deep voice.

"L-Lord Muzan!" she said in surprise.

"I see you've devoured a multitude of humans. You've grown far more powerful than I anticipated. You should be proud."

The demon bowed. "Yes, sir!"

"But you mustn't let your guard down. When things go your way, they're more likely to slip through your fingers."

"Understood, Lord Muzan!"

"A skilled Demon Slayer Corps member, like a Hashira, could recognize us as demons in mere seconds. However, we on the other hand, are quite different from capable Hashira and cannot see any stark differences between humans at a glance as they do. We can still distinguish them, though, by their blood type, as well as the diseases they carry and their genetic makeup."

Muzan stood up. "Daki."

"Yes?" Daki said as she rose up. "Yes, Lord Muzan?"

Muzan walked towards Daki. "You know that I have high hopes for you in particular."

Muzan slightly placed his hand against Daki's cheek. "No one compares to your beauty and strength, Daki. That's seven Hashira now that you've killed."

"Mark my words. From here on out, you're going to become even stronger, a ruthless killer. You are an extraordinary demon."

A Few Days Later, Back In The Present

Zenitsu was thrown against the walls of the building. The two young girls who were with them screamed.

The Oiran glared at Zenitsu who was lying on the floor now.

"How dare you lay a finger on me? Keep your hands to yourself, rotten little brat! Someone needs to discipline you, and harshly. I'm more than happy to volunteer."

"Oiran Warabihime..." said the co-owner of the Kyogoku House. He knelt down on his knees, bowing to her. "I beg of you, please, please find a way to forgive her. Customers will be arriving very soon, and we need you. I'll see that she's reprimanded harshly. You have my word. I'm begging you. I'll be humiliated tonight without you."

Daki/Oiran Warabihime turned around with a fake smile on her face. "I suppose I was just a bit too harsh, seeing as she's a newcomer. See that her wounds are looked at. And please Master, raise your head and stand up. I'm the one who should be apologizing right now." she said innocently.

"Lately, so many things have left me irritated, you see. I'm heading off to work, so get this place tidied up."

As Daki/Oiran Warabihime walked off, she began to be in deep in thought. That little brat. Even though the girl is knocked out cold over there... her injuries are only minor, which must be a result of the defensive falling technique. She's no civilian. I bet she's with the Demon Slayer Corps. That said, she doesn't have the skill of a Hashira.

Back With Tanjiro and Rengoku

Tanjiro and Rengoku were taking a pile of folded fabrics inside. Then Tanjiro stopped and he looked up towards the night sky. Rengoku stopped as well and looked at Tanjiro, concerned.

"Is everything all right, Young Kamado?" he asked.

What an unsettling smell. Tanjiro thought. At night, in this city... there's a murky scent in the air.

"Mr. Rengoku." Tanjiro turned to face Kyojuro. "Do you sense anything?"

Kyojuro closed his eyes and then his eyes snapped open, his eyes no longer human but demon. "I do. Whatever it is, it has a very unsettling aura. It's an aura I do not like."